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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 07-16-2011, 11:42 PM
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Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955?  
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Default Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955?

I was fortunate to pick up a 1955 .357 Magnum with a 5" barrel as an excellent shooter.

Other than barrel length, was this the undisputed top revolver for a policeman in 1955?

What was its cost compared to the Colt 357 Magnum
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Old 07-17-2011, 05:32 AM
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I don't think that there has EVER been an "undisputed top revolver for a policeman", in 1955 or any other time period.

"Undisputed top revolver" isn't something one can prove. While many S&W afficianadoes of 1955 may claim the 5 inch pre-27 is it, you would have gotten dissenting views from the owners of Colt Pythons. Many would also claim the Colt 1911-A1 in .45 ACP would be the top cop handgun and disregard the 'revolver' part. We would have those packing short 4 inch .44 Magnums grumbling, even while they carried them filled with hot .44 Special handloads, and don't forget that the same hot .44 Special loads could be carried in the new 4 inch 1950 Target .44 Hand Ejectors being let loose into the marketplace. Also keep in mind that the brand new .357 Magnum-chambered K frame Combat Magnum had just arrived.

Depending on where I worked, what kind of duty I was assigned and whether or not I wore a suit and tie or a duty uniform, I could make great arguements for any of the guns in my last paragraph as being the "undisputed top revolver for a policeman" in 1955.
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Old 07-17-2011, 06:57 AM
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Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955? Was .357 Magnum the top revolver in 1955?  
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In the complete book of shooting by Jack O'Conner. Jack claims the 44 special was the best man stopper for police.with a 250 grain keith bullet loaded at 1000 fps.loaded with 18.5 grains of 2400 you could run the 250 grain bullet out the end of a n frame at 1200 fps.This makes the S&W double action 44 specials the ultimate police sidearm of there time.DSC_0001.jpg
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Old 07-17-2011, 07:20 AM
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Plus the Highway Patrolman was out and Police weren't paid much then! Probably still way more M&P's if the top is numbers in use!
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Old 07-17-2011, 07:42 AM
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IMO, the top revolver for Police use is the 38 spl., it's has the numbers behind it. That means either the M&P in it's different variations or the Colt Official Police. As for why, it's actually pretty simple, Training. It's not difficult to train a new shooter to shoot the 38 spl. The 357 Magnum is a caliber that isn't easy train a new shooter to shoot well, it has too much recoil. I also expect that just like today, you'll find that police departments have largely been staffed by people who didn't consider themselves primarily as shooters and who only spend time on the range when preparing for qualifications. For those officers the 38 spl. was plenty good enough because it was easy to qualify with. IMO those who choose a career in law enforcement don't make that choice so they can shoot, they make that choice because it's their "calling" and they want to be a member of that thin blue line between Order and Disorder. I'll also note that while it's proven to be obviously marginal, the 38 spl. has also proven to be effective when used well.

BTW, not knocking any of the Magnums, they do have their uses. I also enjoy making noise with a 357 Magnum from time to time when I can afford to shoot it. However, if I were in a position that required me to meet a time and accuracy standard with a revolver, my go to choice would be the 38 spl. because I find it far easier to shoot well with.
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1911, 357 magnum, colt, highway patrolman, k frame, model 19, patrolman

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